Sometimes songs become such a big part of your life, you cannot even imagine what it would feel like to hear them performed live. OMD, who have recorded so many songs that made my world a better place, have not toured the United States in 23 years. Needless to say, I never thought I’d ever get the chance to see them perform. The magical day was March 8, 2011 and OMD played a sold out show at New York’s Terminal 5. Without playing too many obscure songs, they appeased fans by performing almost every hit song they have (with the exception of “Secret”). One of the many highlights of the night for me was when they played “So In Love.” It looked and sounded just like this….

On March 8, 2011, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark aka OMD played their first show in New York in 23 years at Terminal 5. As this was my first opportunity to ever see them live, there was not a chance that I wouldn’t meet Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, two men whose gift of song has made my life so much better! I am delighted to report that both Andy and Paul were so nice! They were so happy to talk to fans, many of whom had every album cover from OMD’s career. I can’t spill the beans entirely, but when I spoke with OMD and be them to please not make us wait another 23 years to see them live again, they mentioned that “they’ll be back sooner than we think.” Very exciting news!

Thanks again to Paul and Andy for not just making such great music, but for being really cool guys who are definitely appreciative of the positions they are in.

I never thought I’d ever get the chance to see Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, better known as OMD, perform live. They haven’t played in America in an astounding 23 years, but they announced a brief tour late last year and gave fans something to look forward to. The day arrived and OMD played a sold out show at New York’s Terminal 5 on March 8, 2011. The venue had to be changed from the smaller Webster Hall in response to overwhelming demand for tickets. After a great set by Danish pop-star Oh Land (and more to come on Oh Land), OMD took the stage just after 9 pm. Thunderous applause was heard after each song and the band played all the songs you’d expect to hear with the exception of “Secret.”

Paul Humphreys of OMD

OMD has a new album entitled “History Of Modern” and the newer songs played fit in with the classic OMD hits. I don’t think it hit me until they played “Forever Live and Die” that I suddenly realized I was having the opportunity to see this song performed live and it was pretty surreal. Other highlights for me were “Tesla Girls,” “So In Love,” and “Locomotion.” Before playing the band’s biggest hit “If You Leave,” lead singer Andy McCluskey said “this is the song that took a little indie band and ruined its career.” Andy McCluskey had a great stage presence as well. He danced all over the stage, even announcing “I apologize for these bad dance moves, so you all have to dance with me.” Many times in the night Andy McCluskey finished a song and was taking a breather when he’d ask the audience if they were tired yet. Of course the response was overwhelming that we could go all night and McCluskey would joke “Shit. I guess we’ll play another song then.”

OMD

I had the opportunity to meet OMD after the show and Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys were so nice! I told them to please not stay away for another 23 years and they gave me some insider information that confirms they’ll be back sooner than you think. I can’t spill the beans just yet so stay tuned to OMD’s official website for announcements.

A video of “So In Love” will be coming soon, so stay tuned for that as well.